Yolo County 9-1-1 Dispatchers Now Able to Respond to Emergency Texts

posted by Joe Michaels -

If you live in Yolo County and aren't able to call for help in an emergency, you now have the ability to text 9-1-1 for assistance.

The newly activated system is intended primarily for use in specific emergency situations.

“It was designed specifically to address the need for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired people,” said Leah Goodwin of the Yolo Emergency Communications Agency. “It also comes in handy in situations where it isn’t safe for a person to make a voice 9-1-1 call.”

That could include cases of domestic violence.

“Obviously those are very volatile situations,” said Yolo County Sheriff’s Sergeant Matt Davis. “Often times the victim is fearful just making that 9-1-1 call. The situation could be made worse.”

You should only text 9-1-1 when calling is not an option. If you do, be sure your first message is brief, concise, and includes the location of the emergency and type of help needed.